Tag Archives: burley-theatre

Suzy Goes See’s Best Of 2013

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Images from a few 2013 stand-outs: A Sign Of The Times, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, All My Sons, Hamlet, Empire: Terror On The High Seas, Hay Fever, Bodytorque.Technique, Waiting For Godot.

Images from a few 2013 stand-outs: A Sign Of The Times, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, All My Sons, Hamlet, Empire: Terror On The High Seas, Hay Fever, Bodytorque.Technique, Waiting For Godot.

This is a wrap up of special moments since the commencement of Suzy Goes See in April 2013. A personal selection from over 100 productions seen in Sydney. Thank you to artists, companies, publicists and punters who have supported Suzy Goes See in 2013. I cannot wait for more shenanigans with you in the new year!

Update: Click here for the Best Of 2014 list.

Suzy x

♥ Avant Garde Angels
The bravest and most creative experimental works in 2013.

♥ Quirky Questers
The most unusual and colourful characters to appear on our stages in 2013.

♥ Design Doyennes
Outstanding visual design in 2013. Fabulous lights, sets and costumes.

♥ Darlings Of Dance
Breathtaking brilliance in the dance space of 2013.

♥ Musical Marvels
Outstanding performers in cabaret and musicals in 2013.

♥ Second Fiddle Superstars
Scene-stealers of 2013 in supporting roles.

♥ Champs Of Comedy
The cleverest, sharpest, and funniest performances of 2013.

♥ Daredevils Of Drama
Bold and excellent acting in dramatic roles in 2013.

♥ Wise With Words
The most interesting and intelligent scripts of 2013.

♥ Directorial Dominance
The most impressive work in direction for 2013.

♥ Shows Of The Year
Nice coincidence to have different genres represented: drama, musical, dance, comedy and cabaret.

♥ Suzy’s Special Soft Spot
For an exceptional work I saw in Melbourne.

End

Best of 2018 | Best of 2017 | Best of 2016 | Best of 2015 | Best Of 2014

The Importance Of Being Earnest (Burley Theatre)

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earnestVenue: Reginald Theatre, Seymour Centre (Sydney NSW), Jul 11 – Aug 3, 2013
Playwright: Oscar Wilde
Director: Brandon Martignago
Actors: Michael Whalley, Kurt Phelan, Katie McDonald, Paige Gardiner, Andrew Benson, Tamlyn Henderson, Ana Maria Belo

Theatre review
Mason Browne has design credits for this production, and his work outshines all other components. Every visual aspect is beautiful, witty, thoughtful and sometimes quite sublime. The backdrop, costumes, furniture pieces, and even the colour palette of sweets on a cake stand, are delightful and faultless. He helps situate the play in a comfortable space between late Victorian England and modern day Sydney, which allows the show’s audience to effortlessly identify social and class mechanics which are crucial to the narrative.

Director Brandon Martignago has a flair for high camp, and his approach to comedy is dynamic and effervescent, so it is indeed these elements that he is able to extract best from Wilde’s writing. This production is best at its raucous moments, but falls down when the jokes are subtler and require more nuance. Martignago does interesting work, but needs to be more diligent in his casting. His actors all fit perfectly the physical requirements of this visually stunning show, but only half of them are able to deliver Wilde’s lines with enough complexity and skill.

Michael Whalley, Katie McDonald and Ana Maria Belo are stand outs, delivering hilariously broad comic moments, as well as clear character developments that move the plot along. Whalley is particularly strong and immensely likeable as John Worthing. His Noël Cowardesque voice is charming, and while he is usually playing the “straight” amidst the chaos, it often is his groundedness and well-timed reactions to the other players that help keep the story in the right trajectory.

Burley Theatre is an important figure on the Sydney stage. Its flamboyance and emphasis on beauty and production values are refreshing and well-received, and other groups should take heed.

www.burleytheatre.com.au